This wildlife holiday provides a thorough exploration of one of India’s finest Tiger Reserves, Bandhavgarh National Park in the heart of rural India. By spending time in one park, rather than racing between several, travelling time is minimised and an understanding of the reserve and its wildlife is maximised. The mighty Tiger is the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, and is regularly encountered during morning and evening game drives, but a wealth of other wildlife includes monkeys, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chousingha and Nilgai together with a wonderful selection of birds and reptiles. The high concentration of wildlife in a relatively small area, and the reserve’s fine scenery dominated by a spectacular hilltop fort, make Bandhavgarh a special place.

• One of the most popular of Indian wildlife tours • 100% success with Tiger sightings over 15 years & 100 tours • Five days of wildlife in Bandhavgarh, one of India’s top Tiger Reserves • Mammals include Wild Boar, Golden Jackal, deer, antelope & monkeys • Birdlife galore! Peacocks, raptors, bee-eaters, etc • Experience travel to & from Bandhavgarh on the Indian railway • Expertly escorted by an Indian Naturetrek naturalist

Food

All included in the cost except for main meals in Delhi, any meals on train and in-transit. On extension meals are not included in Agra and Delhi.

Accommodation

Included in the cost. We use comfortable lodge in Bandhavgarh, just 2 minutes away from the entrance of the Tala zone and in Delhi NCR we stay in a comfortable hotel.

Bandhavgarh National Park, situated amid the airy Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the best places in India to observe Tigers. Although a relatively small reserve when first established in 1968, it was enlarged 20 years later to include adjacent tracts of Sal forest and this extension has proved very beneficial for the Tiger population. The 105 square kilometres of park area, open for tourists was reported to have 22 tigers, a density of one Tiger for every 4.77 square kilometres (Population estimation exercise 2001). Like many Tiger Reserves in India, the area was formerly the hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates the centre of the reserve. Bandhavgarh is somewhat isolated in the rural heart of India but the long overnight train journey from Delhi is well worth the effort and visitors are richly rewarded by a fine selection of wildlife and the real chance of never to be forgotten encounters with the greatest of the big cats.

Mr & Mrs O.Leicestershire

One of the best trips we have had. All arrangements for travel on various forms of transport worked like clockwork. Being lucky enough to see Tigers was one of the many highlights on the trip, but meeting such enthusiastic and passionate naturalists and excellent helpful staff was very enjoyable too. It was particularly helpful for the tour leader (Dilip) to arrange a ‘kitty’ for tipping for the various people as we progressed through the tour. We enjoyed the contrast between Bandhavgarh and Satpura. Food in both reserves was outstanding. The elephant safari on the last reserve day was absolutely amazing.

J.M.Gloucestershire

The travel arrangements ran very smoothly even when the trains were late or the road closed, Dilip had a second plan that ensured the itinerary was not interrupted. The accommodation was good. I liked the difference in the two accommodations in that one was more traditional with very good ‘more Indian’ food and second more luxurious, with more activities on offer and the food Indian with a touch of more international style food I would say. Both were very food. Dilip was an excellent tour leader. It really helped that he handled all the tips etc. for us so we didn’t have to worry as to who to pay and how much all the time. He made life easy for us and he is very knowledgeable on birds, and tried to educate the rest of our group who were all keen to see the Tiger/Sloth Bear etc. more than the birds.

P.P.Hampshire

Both the lodges in Bandhavgarh and in Satpura were excellent; food service, staff, comfort. The lodge we stayed in was lovely, well run, helpful staff, hot water bottles provided for early morning game drives, and a delightful naturalist, Virun.

A.A.Herefordshire

Harish is a charming young man and was very attentive to all members of our group. He had good knowledge of the wildlife and birds and imparted it in an interesting way.

A.B.Somerset

Excellent leader, very good knowledge. Wanted everyone to enjoy the holiday.

C.M.Lincolnshire

A fascinating and memorable experience that exceeded all our expectations. The tour leader was Harish Sharma, what a gem you have there! He was professional, polite and pleasant throughout our whole time with him. What a great knowledge he has, mammals, reptiles, bird life, Indian history, mythology, he could speak freely on all these and we were captivated by him. A great asset and credit to the Naturetrek company. On occasions he was assertive when he needed to be, with local guides, drivers and porters, always having our best interests in mind, and influencing them to ensure we as the guests got the best out of it. Our main objective for the trip was to view the magnificent tiger in its natural surroundings, and that was achieved - in fact we had 7 sightings on 3 different drives - indeed on one occasion we were the only vehicle to view, and were only about thirty metres from the tiger on a path before it "strolled" into the forest. We were also lucky enough to see the leopard and sloth bear as well as the "usual" Samber, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, bison, monkeys and all the different bird life. The trip to Agra was also very memorable, the guide Tarun was very knowledgeable and informative for the whole time he was with us, we learnt a great deal about the Taj Mahal, Baby Taj and Agra Fort - another great day.

Mr & Mrs C.Devon

Remi Pani Jungle Lodge was excellent - the surroundings were beautiful and we could have happily stayed several more days here. It was so tranquil, with excellent food and great local and wildlife knowledge. Our guide was excellent with great knowledge all-round. He made our trip run very smoothly and we really enjoyed his company.

L.J.Kent

A really wonderful holiday. At every stage of the various journeys the local agents were there to help with baggage. Our tour guides/leaders were very knowledgeable and interesting to talk to. Both lodges were very good. And we saw Tigers!

R.B.Staffordshire

We enjoyed Bandhavgarh very much and Satpura was a special delight - I would recommend that extension especially. Seeing Tigers and the Taj Mahal was a life-long ambition achieved, thanks to all at Naturetrek.

D.J.Leicestershire

This was the best holiday experience of my life! For me it was a lifetime's dream come true to see Tigers in the wild, in their natural habitat. I was extremely impressed with the whole experience, from booking, helpfulness of Naturetrek staff, the organisation, the local agent, Hada, our driver, the reserve guides, the Jungle Lodge and staff, the flights and, of course, the wildlife. Everyone made us feel so welcome and at home. I arrived not knowing anyone, but left having made some new lovely friends. Hada's knowledge of the wildlife was inspiring. I really didn't want to leave and I have already decided to go back again next year.

Ms L.S. Middlesex

We were very impressed with both our guides. Bunty was always calm under pressure and Harish very knowledgable about all aspects of wildlife as well as Indian culture and society. We enjoyed every minute.

A.M.M.Devon

My husband and I had a trip of a lifetime. If it weren't for the long distances from home, and the jetlag, we would love to go back. At least we have seen tigers and ridden an elephant. Pure magic! Thank you so much for such a well organised tour.

C.B.Northamptonshire

This was my first wildlife holiday and it turned out to be excellent. Bunty was excellent. His knowledge and friendly disposition helped make this trip. Out of 9 game drives we saw tigers on 7, and on 4 of those we saw more than one, and I had two elephant rides tracking the tigers. It was fantastic. I enjoy wildlife photography and the pictures I managed to take I’m pleased with – from the tigers through to black kites in Delhi. I would recommend you to my friends!

A.T.London

One thing that struck me most about the holiday was that everything was taken care of. There was no occasion during the entire trip where I felt anything could go wrong, or that something had been forgotten. From being met at the airport to being dropped off again at the end of the trip, I didn’t have to worry about anything. And the pre-departure information, and the support from Rajan Jolly in answering my questions and helping me to tailor my travel arrangements, was excellent. I felt very well-prepared. The skills of our tour leaders and of our dedicated drivers meant we had as good a chance as you can possibly get to see wild animals. We saw glimpses of, and heard tigers every day, and the rest of the time was spent enjoying the reserve and seeing a wide variety of species. On the final day our guides and driver worked their magic and managed to get us first in the queue for the elephants, so we had fabulous close-up views of a resting tiger. Later in the day we were perfectly positioned when two tigers crossed a field right in front of us. Our tour leaders had the patience of saints. They were so polite and considerate. I’m sure we wouldn’t have minded being told to be quiet, or to adjust our behaviour, to make it easier for the guides. Sometimes we got carried away chatting and laughing; as a first-timer to group travel I couldn’t have been with a nicer set of people. It was great fun. And care had obviously been taken to ensure that, as a single female traveller, I felt secure in terms of accommodation and company…Overall, I had an absolutely wonderful trip, and would thoroughly recommend Bandhavgarh and Naturetrek. Thank you.

D.B. London

This was a brilliant trip. Great guide, great hotel and food and plenty of Tigers.

D.S.Belgium

Another excellent holiday adventure from Naturetrek. We’ve now been with you on four trips and are already looking at the next destination. This latest trip to India exceeded our expectations and we had the most amazing time. The wonderful views of tigers were the icing on the cake. I would like to add that Bunty was a first class leader. He was exceptionally knowledgeable and provided an excellent service to us.

A.E.Sussex

I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday with Naturetrek. Thank you again for a superb holiday. I would use Naturetrek again and recommend them to my friends.

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Tour Reviews

One of the best trips we have had. All arrangements for travel on various forms of transport worked like clockwork. Being lucky enough to see Tigers was one of the many highlights on the trip, but meeting such enthusiastic and passionate naturalists and excellent helpful staff was very enjoyable too. It was particularly helpful for the tour leader (Dilip) to arrange a ‘kitty’ for tipping for the various people as we progressed through the tour. We enjoyed the contrast between Bandhavgarh and Satpura. Food in both reserves was outstanding. The elephant safari on the last reserve day was absolutely amazing.Mr & Mrs O., Leicestershire

Contact: Rajan Jolly

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